Michael Jackson’s Giant ‘HIStory’ Statues: Where Are They 30 Years Later?

Giant Michael Jackson HIStory statues have stood worldwide for over 30 years—here’s what happened to these iconic monuments.

The Monumental Legacy of Michael Jackson’s ‘HIStory’ Statues

Back in 1995, Michael Jackson’s album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I wasn’t just a musical event—it was a visual spectacle. To promote the album, up to 10 giant statues of the King of Pop were created and displayed around the globe. These colossal statues captured the essence of the album's powerful themes and were hard to miss.

One of the most memorable moments was a massive statue floating down the River Thames in London, a scene that cemented Michael’s larger-than-life persona in pop culture.

Michael Jackson statue majestically floating on the River Thames in 1995

How the Statues Were Crafted

The statues were the brainchild of Hertfordshire-based artist Stephen Pyle, who was commissioned to bring this vision to life. Pyle collaborated with sculptor Derek Howarth to create the statues in sections using polystyrene. These were then molded and cast in fiberglass, pieced together and painted to resemble stone.

The final assembly and painting took place in Chris and Liz Clark’s workshop at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, turning raw materials into monumental tributes.

“Making 10 statues in four months was quite the challenge, but thanks to Derek, Chris, Liz and the rest of my workshop team at the time, we became quite the efficient factory for Michael Jackson monoliths!”

— Stephen Pyle

Where Are the Statues Now?

Surprisingly, some of these statues are still standing after all these years. Here’s a quick look at where you can find them:

• Austria: One statue resides in the abandoned courtyard of a nightclub. Franz Josef Zika, the owner, won it in 1998 at a charity auction supporting the Red Cross. Despite attempts to sell it for about €25,000 (approximately $27,000), interest has been low due to financial constraints of potential buyers.
• South Africa: A statue still stands at a former theme park in Johannesburg, serving as a nostalgic reminder of the era.
• Italy: Another statue remains in an amusement park, which received a facelift in 2019 with fresh paint and a new pair of sunglasses.

Statues Removed After Controversy

Following the release of the documentary Leaving Neverland in 2019—which featured powerful accusations of child sexual abuse against Michael Jackson by Wade Robson and James Safechuck—some statues were taken down amid public backlash.

• Netherlands: A statue towering over a McDonald’s car park in the village of Best was removed.
• Switzerland: Another was located at an annual fairground event in Lausanne but no longer stands.

Additionally, a statue commissioned by the late Fulham FC chairman Mohammed Al Fayed, after Jackson’s death in 2009, was removed from Manchester’s National Football Museum following the documentary's airing.

The Upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic

Michael Jackson’s life and career are set to be portrayed in an upcoming biopic titled Michael. The movie is planned for release in 2027, potentially split into two parts. Interestingly, Michael’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play the King of Pop.

The film has already stirred debate, with Dan Reed—the director of Leaving Neverland—expressing concerns that the biopic might glorify Jackson despite the allegations against him.

"It will glorify a man who raped children."

— Dan Reed

Remembering the Global Campaign

One of the most iconic moments of the HIStory campaign was the first statue’s appearance in London on June 15, 1995, when a 32-foot statue floated down the River Thames. This marked the beginning of a worldwide promotional effort that saw these giant tributes pop up in various cities.

The giant statues were part of a global campaign marking HIStory’s release.

Conclusion: The Enduring Mystery of Michael’s Monoliths

Over 30 years later, Michael Jackson’s monumental HIStory statues remain a fascinating part of pop culture history. Some weather the test of time, standing as silent giants, while others have disappeared in the wake of controversy. Where would you want to see one of these giant icons today?

FAQs

• How many Michael Jackson HIStory statues were originally made?
  Up to 10 giant statues were created worldwide to promote the album.
• Who crafted the statues?
  Stephen Pyle commissioned the statues and worked with sculptor Derek Howarth for their creation.
• Are any statues still standing?
  Yes, statues remain in Austria, South Africa, and Italy among other locations.
• Why were some statues taken down?
  Many were removed after the Leaving Neverland documentary reignited controversy surrounding Michael Jackson.
• When is the Michael Jackson biopic releasing?
  The biopic, titled Michael, is scheduled for release in 2027, potentially in two parts.

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